Beaver Lake is the crown jewel of Northwest Arkansas’s outdoors — a sprawling, crystal-clear reservoir with nearly 500 miles of shoreline winding through the Ozark hills. Just east of Rogers, it’s the region’s playground for boating, swimming, world-class bass fishing, and even scuba diving, ringed by marinas, swim beaches, and campgrounds. If you want to get on the water in NWA, this is the place.
About Beaver Lake
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the White River between 1960 and 1966, Beaver Lake covers roughly 28,000 acres with about 487 miles of shoreline. Its clear, deep water and rugged limestone-bluff scenery make it one of the most beautiful lakes in the state — and the water supply for much of the region. The lake stretches from just northeast of Rogers all the way toward the Eureka Springs area, so there’s a corner of it for every kind of day out.
Marinas & Boat Rentals
Beaver Lake has a string of full-service marinas where you can rent pontoons, fishing boats, and wave runners, fuel up, and launch:
- Prairie Creek and Hickory Creek — the closest to Rogers, with marinas, ramps, and swim beaches.
- Rocky Branch, Horseshoe Bend, Lost Bridge, and Starkey — additional marinas and Corps parks around the lake.
Boat rentals commonly start around $200 a day; reserve ahead in peak summer season.
Things to Do
- Boating & paddling — from pontoon cruises to kayaking the quiet coves.
- Swimming — designated swim beaches at several Corps day-use parks.
- Fishing — trophy largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, plus walleye, crappie, and catfish (Arkansas fishing license required for anglers 16+).
- Scuba diving — the clear, deep water makes Beaver Lake one of Arkansas’s top freshwater dive spots.
- Camping — Corps of Engineers campgrounds ring the lake; see our Make Camping Fun guide for tips.
Good to Know
- Cost: The lake is free; some day-use swim beaches and boat ramps charge a small fee, and marinas charge for rentals and slips.
- Closest access from Rogers: Prairie Creek and Hickory Creek, roughly 10–15 minutes east.
- Best season: May–September for swimming and boating; spring and fall for the best fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaver Lake free to visit?
Yes — the lake and most Corps of Engineers parks are free; some swim beaches and boat ramps charge a small day-use fee, and marinas charge for rentals.
Where can I rent a boat on Beaver Lake?
At the marinas — Prairie Creek, Hickory Creek, Rocky Branch, Horseshoe Bend, Lost Bridge, and Starkey — which rent pontoons, fishing boats, and wave runners.
Can you swim in Beaver Lake?
Yes, at designated swim beaches in the Corps day-use parks such as Prairie Creek and Hickory Creek. The water is clear and cool.
What fish are in Beaver Lake?
Largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. It’s one of the top bass fisheries in the region.
Location & Directions
- Closest access: Prairie Creek & Hickory Creek recreation areas, east of Rogers off Hwy 12
- Managed by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Cost: Free (small fee at some beaches/ramps)
Back to Parks & Recreation in Rogers or Things to Do in Rogers.